Exploring NJ's Old Mine Road: Tips for a Scenic Drive
A New Jersey Historic and Scenic Treasure
Old Mine Road, stretching through Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey, is among the oldest continuously used roads in the United States.
In its early history, this road was traveled by Lenape Indians, Dutch miners, and Revolutionary War soldiers. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers mined copper ore from the Pahaquarry Copper Mine located in a scenic ravine approximately six miles north of the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center.
To transport the ore to Kingston, NY on the Hudson River, the miners constructed the road that is today known as the Old Mine Road. Much of the roads history remains in doubt and often debated, especially as to where the southern most point began markers are placed to identify that the road began as an Indian trail.
Today, a 26-mile stretch of Old Mine Road within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area remains largely undeveloped, offering a glimpse into the past. This segment, known as the Old Mine Road Historic District, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 3, 1980, for its significance in agriculture, archaeology, architecture, commerce, exploration/settlement, and transportation. The district includes 24 contributing buildings and five contributing sites.
Visitors can explore several historic landmarks along the route, such as the Van Campen Inn, a restored 18th-century fieldstone residence that served as a colonial-era yaugh house, and the remnants of the Pahaquarry Copper Mine. The road also traverses the Minisink National Historic Landmark, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.
What to Expect When Traveling the Old Mine Road?
To visit Old Mine Road from from NJ, take I-80 West toward the Delaware Water Gap. Exit at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and follow signs to Old Mine Road.
The road, especially in the southern end for the first ten miles can be a rough ride with pot holes, speed limits dropping down to 15 mph and traffic lights controlling two-way traffic on the one way lane segments.
Old Mine Road is popular on weekends in spring, summer, and fall, It's natural scenery and sereneness make for a great autumn scenic trip.
Please note that certain sections may be closed due to maintenance or weather conditions, so it's advisable to check current road statuses before your trip.
How Did Old Mine Road Preserve It's Pristine - Scenic Condition?
Due to substantial flooding along the Delaware River in 1955, the US Army Corps of Engineers was able to secure approval from congress in 1962 to construct a dam at Tocks Island to provide for flood control of the region.
Subsequent to obtaining approval for the construction of the dam, the land bordering the Delaware River was acquired by the U.S Government. However, largely due to protests by environmentalists, local residents, and historians, the authorization was overturned and the dam construction was averted.
As a result of this de authorization and reversion, the area is now left more pristine than it was 50 years ago. With the expected construction of the Tocks Island Dam's Reservoir, almost all of the property owners in the area were forced to sell out and move away.
The building of the dam-reservoir would have wiped out all traces of history and human lively hood in this scenic valley.
